What are the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, etc.?
These organizations are appendant bodies of Masonry. Some organizations, like the Scottish and York Rites, require members to be initiated Master Masons, whereas others, like The Order of the Eastern Star, are open to family members of Masons. Although organizations like The Order of The Eastern Star are Masonically-related groups, they are not Freemasonry, and should not be confused. There are also unrecognized “Masonic groups” that have no Masonic legitimacy, and should be avoided. It is always good to check that a lodge is chartered by it’s governing Grand Lodge before petitioning. What are some common appendant bodies? The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry The York Rite Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (commonly referred to as Shriners) Royal Order of Scotland Royal Order of Jesters Order of the Eastern Star DeMolay International International Order of the Rainbow for Girls What are Prince Hall Masons? Prince Hall, and fourteen other African A
